The process which makes lasers possible (Stimulated Emission) was proposed in 1917 by Albert

Einstein. No one realized the amazing potential of this theory until the 1950's, when practical research was first

performed on applying the theory of stimulated emission to making lasers. It wasn't until 1960 that the first true

laser was made by Theodore Maimam, out of synthetic ruby. Lots of ideas for laser applications quickly

followed, including some that never worked, like the laser eraser. Still, the early pioneers of laser technology

would be shocked and amazed to see the multitude of ways that lasers are used by everyone, everyday, in

today's world.